Preserving Produce

For years I’ve dreamed of becoming a homesteading heroine. While growing produce proves difficult amidst my transient lifestyle, preserving produce proves completely feasible (Note: even if you don’t grow it, you can still preserve it).

During the summer, it’s not uncommon to be gifted a bag of tomatoes or a bushel of peaches, if you have the right friends, that is. While tomato pies or peach cobblers are certainly a good use of gifted produce, canned tomatoes or peach preserves last a bit longer, especially if you dress a peach cobbler with ice cream.

Try these easy preserve recipes to dress up breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Pepper jelly is a Southern staple. Clothe cream cheese with preserves for an effortless appetizer with equal hints of heat and sweet, culminating with a creamy finish.

Stone Fruit PreservesThis preserves recipe is a dream for the hurried home-cook, as the microwave is the main focus (besides the peaches, that is). Plums and nectarines also make satisfying substitutes.